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Abstract

Background

Bacterial sepsis induced immunsuppression via antigen hyporesponsibility increases
the risk of nosokomial infections and mortality. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR)
might have a central role in the pathophysiology of hyporesponsibility.

Methods

In this study we evaluated in a human E. coli sepsis cohort, the role of PRR including TLR’s and Trem-1. Expression of Trem-1,
TLR2, TLR4, CD14 and HLA-DR on blood monozytes and neutrophils were examined using
flow cytometry from 22 patients with E. coli sepsis and 6 healthy controls. LPS and
LTA stimulated TNF alpha, IL-10, IL-8 and IL-6 production was studied in a 24 h whole
blood assay. Free cytokine serum concentration of TNF alpha, PCT and IP-10 were evaluated.

Conclusions

Patients with E. coli sepsis are characterized by an association of Trem-1 expression on blood neutrophils
with cytokine inducibility. The TREM-1 pathway on neutrophils might play a role in
producing an adequate inflammatory and bactericidal response in bacterial sepsis.